Congressman Cleaver and Public Officials Denounce Hate and Stand in Solidarity with AAPI Communities

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined local public officials, community leaders, and advocates to denounce the rise in racism and violence against America's AAPI community, and to stand in solidarity with the AAPI community of Kansas City in the wake of this week's mass shooting in the Atlanta area.

"Over the past year, America's AAPI communities have been forced to fear not only a deadly virus but also a scourge of racist rhetoric, scapegoating, and violence," said Congressman Cleaver. "The horrific and heartbreaking events that took place in Atlanta this week reflect the documented and disturbing rise in hate crimes against our AAPI neighbors over the past year. Today, my colleagues and I are all recommitting ourselves to the cause of justice, redoubling our efforts to end this hatred, and reaffirming our belief that the presence of diversity in our great nation is what makes our nation great."

"The rise of xenophobia, violence, and hate against Asian-Americans in this country is disgraceful and goes against the values we hold as Kansans and Americans," said Congresswoman Davids. "The horrific acts of violence in Atlanta last week that took the lives of eight people — including six Asian-American women — only add to the fear and pain that the AAPI community is already experiencing. My heart is with the victims, their families, and the AAPI community as we unite against all forms of hatred, violence and discrimination in this country."

"Today, across the nation, our brothers and sisters of Asian descent are being targeted, intimidated, and in some cases attacked, just for being themselves," said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. "I stand with them in love and solidarity and commit myself to doing everything I can to stop the hate, discrimination and violence."

"I stand in solidarity with others today to show support for Asian-Americans," said Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker. "Our country has benefited greatly from their contributions. Today we must recognize the benefits of inclusion. As Americans, we should do more than condemn hate, but celebrate our differences in order to bring unity through our diversity."

"We stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in Kansas City after the tragic mass shootings in Georgia, and an alarming raise in hate crimes against Asian Americans this past year," said Mayor Lucas. "My heart breaks for the family and friends of the those who lost their lives, and especially for the Kansas Citians who now no longer feel safe because of their culture and identity. We will support Kansas City's AAPI community to ensure they feel safe and protected. All are welcome in Kansas City, and your elected officials, community leaders, faith leaders, and public safety officials will make sure anyone who challenges that will be held accountable."

According to a California State University analysis, hate crimes against the AAPI community in sixteen of America's largest cities increased 149% in 2020, and according to a report released by the nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate, Asian American women reported more than two times as many incidents as Asian American men. The events that took place in Atlanta this week are the continuation of a horrifying pattern in America that must be stopped. The local public officials, community leaders, and advocates who joined Congressman Cleaver today are committed to putting in the work to accomplish that goal.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Haydin Brady at 202-538-4326 or haydin.brady@mail.house.gov